BE GREAT TOGETHER WITH US.

Innovation, Efficiency and Ambition: this is what VAT has stood for over 50 years. 

With this passion, VAT has grown to become the leading international developer, manufacturer and supplier of high-performance high-end vacuum valves and vacuum sealing technology, employing over 2000 people worldwide.  The headquarters are located in Haag (Switzerland), the production centers in Switzerland, Malaysia, Romania and Taiwan. 

Responsibilities: 

• Manage the welding program for vacuum component and chamber fabrication, ensuring compliance with AWS codes and UHV standards (e.g. AWS D18.1,SEMI F19, ASME Section IX). 
• Oversee the development, qualification, and maintenance of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and welder certifications. 
• Supervise manual MIG and orbital TIG welding operations, with a focus on achieving defect-free, full-penetration welds suitable for helium leak testing and vacuum integrity. 
• Ensure all welding processes meet internal and customer cleanliness standards, including surface prep, post-weld cleaning, and weld discoloration limits. 
• Collaborate with design, quality, and production teams to troubleshoot issues and support new product introductions (NPI). 
• Responsible for control of production weld quality.
• Lead weld defect investigations and implement root cause corrective actions (RCCA) in accordance with ISO and customer-driven quality systems.   
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives around weld consistency, process efficiency, and weld traceability. 
• Assist with the tooling and fixturing designs required for weld/fit-up operation.  
• Support or lead internal and customer audits related to welding and cleanliness documentation. 
• Drive training and certification programs to ensure welder readiness, procedural discipline, and compliance with evolving customer requirements. 
• Evaluate and maintain welding and purging equipment, ensuring readiness for high-mix, low-defect production. 

Requirements:

• Degree in Welding Engineering or a related technical discipline
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Certified Welding Educator (CWE) required. 
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma certification a plus. 
• 5–10 years of welding experience in precision stainless steel fabrication, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role
• Strong knowledge of UHV/UHP welding principles, vacuum sealing techniques, and helium leak rate standards. 
• Hands-on experience with TIG/MIG welding and clean fabrication best practices. 
• Familiarity with vacuum standards and specifications (e.g., SEMI, ISO 14644, ASME). 
• Excellent communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills. 
• Experience working with OEM customers in semiconductor equipment, aerospace, or research lab environments.
• Knowledge of cleanroom protocols, vacuum-compatible materials, and surface finishing standards (e.g., electropolishing, passivation)

Interested? We look forward to receive your application. 

You can expect a dynamic and successful company where innovation, courage, fairness and transparency are encouraged and your ideas are welcome. 

Samuel Balint 

Experience VAT